Hertfordshire Good Care Week: Celebrating our care workforce

This week (16-25 June) we’re celebrating everyone that works in the Hertfordshire care industry.

Working in care isn’t just a job; it’s a flexible and rewarding career.

Don’t take our word for it – read what those in our care workforce have to say about working in care.

Bex’s story

Bex started her career in care through Hertfordshire County Council’s Health and Social Care Trainee scheme.

“I’ve done some befriending before – my friend’s sister is disabled so I’ve spent time with her and taken her out. But I never thought about care as a work thing, even though it is something that comes quite naturally to me.”

Bex concedes that to many people, especially of her generation, care work has a bad image. “My friends think that I just wipe bums, and I do think that puts people off. But care isn’t about that, there’s loads more to it.”

“I now support older people and adults with physical and learning disabilities at a day service centre where we offer a variety of activities such as baking, exercise classes and gardening. We offer our users the opportunity to make new friends, try a new hobby and also get help with job hunting. Knowing that I am making a difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents, helping them to develop and maintain their skills, is the best feeling. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

She would encourage other young people into a rewarding career in care. “Do it, what have you got to lose? Everyone is naturally caring in some way. Plus it’s a great way to learn something new.”

Dan’s story

“My background had always been in sports. I completed a fitness instructor course and went to Derby University to do a BSc in Sports Science. While I was studying I realised that sport and exercise is more than just kicking a football around - it has huge health and social benefits too.

“My dissertation was around improving quality of life of those living in residential care homes. I got into care after finishing university and quickly found that it is more than just personal care. I worked as a life skills coach for Brookdale Care doing engagement activities with young adults with autism/learning disabilities and saw how much of an impact I was making. Service users were gaining confidence in themselves and developing skills from sessions.

“From there I joined SMILE where I currently deliver engagement classes. I have developed as a person and a professional, I have access to funded training and endless support from my colleagues and peers. The feedback I receive from the people I work with reassures me that the work I’m doing is worthwhile and makes a difference, this makes me want to continue.”

Lynne’s story

Lynne Simons is proof that it’s never too late to try something new.

“I didn’t go into care work until I’d turned 40 but I’m so glad I did because I love it. I am passionate about supporting others to do their jobs as well as they can,” said Lynne who is now deputy manager of B&M Care’s St Andrews Care Home in Welwyn Garden City.

Lynne had done a string of mundane jobs and was looking for a fresh and more rewarding challenge when she saw a care home job advertised and she applied.

“I looked at a care home at Stanstead Abbotts. I thought I would give it a go and have a try, and give it a go I did. I loved it,” said Lynne.

Lynne started off as a care assistant and worked her way up through a series of jobs including senior carer and then assistant manager.

“I started to look at care plans and staff training and my role evolved and eventually I became deputy manager. One of my passions in my current role is delivering training and giving staff the tools of the trade.

“I am passionate about giving staff the support they need to do their jobs as well as they can.”